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# Toddler holiday burnout?
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/toddler-holiday-burnout/
- Published: 2005-11-22T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-25T01:16:43.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Malibu, #archive-import

Dear Dorie, Do you have any suggestions for dealing with an 18-month-old through the holiday season? There are a lot of family meals and events, and I’m not sure he’s ready to handle all the change in routine. I’m particularly worried about the out-of-town guests expecting him to behave. I’d really be happy with a few family photographs and some sleep. Help. — Wake Me When It’s Over Dear Wake Me, Yes, the holidays are upon us. The Christmas decorations started appearing in September and plowed right through Halloween and Thanksgiving, not to mention this year’s celebration of Eid al Fitr and Dinwali right smack in the middle of it all. Most toddlers love the excitement, attention and magic of the season but have difficulty with the many changes in their daily rhythm and eating routines. It’s an unwritten rule that your little one will have a tantrum, if not many, somewhere in the next few weeks.

Luckily, there are a few guidelines to help manage the stress, and a few weeks of calm in January and February to re-establish your routine and sleep patterns. In the meantime, don’t white knuckle the entire season, hold on tight, enjoy the ride and take tons of pictures. Consider these ideas to help: ■ Be prepared for strong feelings from both the adults and children — holidays are emotional. ■ Be flexible in your celebrations — if your son falls asleep at the table, take a picture and put him to bed. Don’t force the “tradition” on him just yet. Think of it as great scrap-booking material. ■ Identify your “triggers.” If you freak out when you’re sleep-deprived, do your best to rest.

Above all, allow your son to be himself. You don’t owe your relatives an explanation of his behavior. If they have children of their own, they will know and love that an 18-month-old rules the roost in unpredictable ways. If they don’t have children, they will certainly know that not every child sits on Santa’s lap with a big grin and maybe, just maybe, they’ll see the charm in it. Good luck and happy holidays. — Dorie (Dorie Meek is director of the Infant & Family Support Program, provided by Saint John’s Health Center in partnership with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. Submit your questions to “Dear Dorie” at or call 310-452-6132.)

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 22, 2005.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/112205.pdf?ref=smdp.com)